Lake birding habitat

Arivaca Lake

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Arivaca Lake is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, and White-winged Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

4/18/202638–42 Santa Gertrudis Ln, Carmen US-AZ 31.56214, -111.043301 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

4/18/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/18/2026118 Circulo Vespucci, Tubac US-AZ 31.60049, -111.046544 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/18/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

4/18/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)2 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

4/18/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Buff-collared Nightjar

Antrostomus ridgwayi

4/17/2026California Gulch/Warsaw Canyon confluence1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/17/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

14/16/2026

Gambel's Quail

44/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/16/2026

Common Ground Dove

94/16/2026

White-winged Dove

44/16/2026

Mourning Dove

34/16/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

14/16/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/16/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

24/16/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

14/16/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

24/16/2026

Killdeer

24/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

94/16/2026

Gray Hawk

24/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

14/16/2026

Black Phoebe

44/16/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

44/16/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

14/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arivaca Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Arivaca Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Arivaca Lake?
Notable species at Arivaca Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arivaca Lake?
Birding at Arivaca Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Arivaca Lake?
Arivaca Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.